New Cardinal Treasurer Kathryn Hoffmeister Approved by School Board
Cardinal Board of Education Regular Meeting - April 22, 2026
Meeting Details: The Cardinal Board of Education met for a Regular Meeting at the Cardinal Board of Education Office, 15982 E. High St., Middlefield, 44062 at 6:30 pm. The agenda is available online here. Click on the meeting tab in the upper right hand corner and then on the date of the meeting. This meeting is in person only with no livestream or video.
Board Attendance: President Linda Smallwood, Vice President Barb Rayburn, and Members Anita Marlowe, Ruth Natali, and Edna Phile.
Staff Attendance: Superintendent Jack Cunningham, Treasurer Daniel L. Wilson, and future Cardinal
Treasurer Kathryn (Katie) Hoffmeister.
1. Opening Items The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Roll call was taken.
2. Presentations:
Huskie Happenings: (see Agenda for details)
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Superintendent Cunningham recognized several Jr./Sr. High School students who won the INSPIRE to Drive Safe Video and Poster Competition.
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Superintendent Cunningham recognized the middle school girls track and field team for their first ever championship at the Middle School Fisher Invitational. The boys team finished 3rd.
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Superintendent Cunningham recognized 3rd Grade teacher Mrs. Pollock for creating a celebration day for her third-grade students before the ELA (English Language Arts) State Test last Monday. This test is taxing on kids and recognition is well deserved.
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Superintendent Cunningham recognized senior Brynley Kitzmiller for receiving this year’s Jersey Mike’s Community Impact Award.
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Superintendent Cunningham announced that the gymnasium renovation is progressing. Bleachers will arrive next Monday. He confirmed that the gym would be completed prior to graduation. Board President Smallwood asked to ensure placement of the official logo. Superintendent Cunningham to provide a mockup to the Board for review.
3. Hearing of the Public - None
4. Board Item - Resolution
Cardinal Board passed resolution to enter into a contract with Kathryn (Katie) Hoffmeister as Treasurer/CFO of the Cardinal Local School District for a term of three years (3) years commencing August 1, 2026 and expiring on July 31, 2029. Contract details are available through a link on the Agenda.
APPROVED 5-0
5. Discussion Item(s)
Temporary, Seasonal, & Casual Workers for Summer 2026 (OAPSE CBA Article #25) - The district is
seeking 6 part-time casual labor employees for summer routine maintenance work within the Cardinal Local School District. Observer Note: The superintendent asked for approval to take action on posting the roles. See the agenda (https://go.boarddocs.com/oh/cardinal/Board.nsf/Public) for details.
APPROVED 5-0
6. Superintendent’s Report - Personnel Items (see Agenda for details)
Human Resources/Personnel Actions:
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Resignations: Jeff Davis, Track Assistant HS
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Hire: Keith Fife - Track Assistant HS, Vyta Kavaluiskas - Volunteer Track, Jeff Fry - temporary casual employment effective April 6, 2026 thru the remainder of the 2025-26 fiscal year
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Long Term Substitute: Natalie Britton - long term teaching substitute-CES effective 4/23/26 for the 2025-26 School year
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Retirements: Rhonda Hostetler effective 7/17/26
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FMLA: Melissa Cardinal, Intermittent leave effective 4/23/26
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Musical: Rescinded 4 Musicians and Director and Musician Coordinator (approved originally to be the pit crew but this did not happen)
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Musical Corrections: Frank Sanzo, Track editor and musical support, Supplemental: Kristen Mast, Musical Assistant
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Recommendation to compensate Cooperating Teacher from Kent State.
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Recommendation to compensate Cooperating Teachers from Hiram College (split between 2 mentor placements)
All APPROVED 5-0
7. Superintendent’s Report-Additional Items
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Motion to approve allocation of remainder of funds of State Professional Development Grant (staff development).
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Motion to approve student activities purchase statements and budgets: Music Boosters Fundraising 2026/2027 events and Cardinal Elementary Pretzel Sale 2026.
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Motion of support for Geauga Family First Council - annual event: this is for the Cardinal portion.
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Motion to approve agreements for student services received outside district, including: 1) Transportation agreements with Streetsboro City Schools, Mentor Exempted Village School District, Cleveland Metropolitan School District, 2) Contract with Harbor Education Services (LEAP), and 3) Contract with LLA Therapy for students attending Educational Alternatives.
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Motion to approve purchase of Staff Devices from capital operating budget. Devices are replacements for elementary staff for next year.
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Motion to approve the sale of scoreboards and controllers from the old gym. Scoreboards were placed on Facebook for sale and have received inquiries. Waiting for Board approval before following up to inquiries.
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Motion to approve Transportation Services payment to St. Helens for field trips outlined in agenda.
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Motion to approve HS Boys JV/Varsity Basketball overnight camp/field trip. No cost to the District other than transportation.
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Motion to approve donation from Cardinal PTO towards Cardinal High School musical ticket sales.
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Motion to approve disposal of an old wrestling mat that is unusable.
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Motion to approve Elementary and HS Honors Field Trips. Vice President Barb Rayburn asked “What happened to the 8th Grade Trip?” Superintendent Cunningham shared that some students had asked him about it and they were going to follow-up with Mr. Kensington.
Observer Note: Superintendent Cunningham was not aware if the kids followed up with Mr. Kensington.
All APPROVED 5-0
8. Treasurer Report
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Motion to fund transfer of $500 from Sectional Tournament Fund to Athletics High School Fund.
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Motion to approve return of fund advance of $71,486.55 from the Federal Grant Title II-A
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Improving Teacher Quality to General Fund.
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Motion to approve supplemental appropriation of $71,486.55 (prior bullet Federal Grant Title II- A) - return of General Fund advance.
All APPROVED 5-0
9. Legislative Update - none
10. Auburn Career Center Update - none
11. Hearing of the Public - Non-agenda Items - none
12. Upcoming Dates/Meetings
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April 23rd: CHS Science Test Biology I and 8th Grade and Government
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April 28th: CHS & CES Math Testing Day One
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April 29th: CES Math Testing Day Two
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April 30th: Grandparents Day for Grades Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, and 5th Grade (9:00 - 11:00 am)
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April 30th: CHS Math Testing for Grades 7th, 8th, Algebra 1, & Geometry
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May 1st: Grandparents Day for Grades 2nd Grade, 4th Grade, and 6th Grade (9:00 a.m. - 11:00 am)
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May 2nd: CHS Prom at Serenity Winery and Events from 6:30 - 10:00 pm (16995 Chardon-Windsor Rd. Huntsburg, OH 44046)
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May 4th: Athletic Boosters Meeting @ 6:00 pm at Cardinal Jr./Sr. High School
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May 5th: Cardinal PTO Meeting (Ferroni Cafe 14950 Harrington Way, Middlefield, OH 44062)
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May 6th: CHS - Senior Commitment Day at 9:00 am
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May 7th: Senior Grill Out at 10:45 am
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May 7th: Spring Choir Concerts at 6:00 pm at Cardinal Elementary School Cafeteria
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May 9th: Cardinal Jr./Sr. High School Art Show in the Cafeteria from 12:00 - 3:00 pm
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May 12th: Spring Band Concert for Grades 7-12 at Cardinal Elementary School Cafeteria at 6:00 pm
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May 13th: American Red Cross Blood Drive at Cardinal Jr./Sr. High School Gym
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May 14th and May 15th: Kindergarten Screenings
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May 14th: Senior Clapout at 2:00 pm
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May 14th: Graduation Rehearsal at 2:30 pm at Cardinal Jr./Sr. High School gym
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May 14th: Senior Dinner and Awards at 5:00 pm at Cardinal Jr./Sr. High School cafeteria
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May 16th: Cardinal High School Graduation at 10:00 am at Cardinal Jr./Sr. High School Gym
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May 18th: Underclassmen Awards Ceremony at 1:30 pm at Cardinal Jr./Sr. High School Gym
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May 20th: 5th & 6th Grade Band Concert at Cardinal Elementary School Cafeteria at 6:00 pm
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May 21st: Spring Sports Awards at 6:30 pm at Cardinal Jr./Sr. High School Gym
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May 25th: No School - Memorial Day
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May 26th: Cardinal Elementary School Field Day 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
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May 27th: 6th Grade and Kindergarten Graduation at Cardinal Jr./Sr. High School Gym
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May 27th: Board of Education Meeting at 6:30 pm
12. Adjournment to Executive Session - 6:51 pm
Motion to adjourn to Executive Session for the consideration of employment and also preparing for negotiations for the bargaining session for public employees concerning their compensation or other terms and conditions of employment. The Board of Education hereby designates all matters discussed in this Executive Session as strictly confidential and finds that this designation is warranted because of the status of these matters and the need to preserve confidentiality to conduct business of this Board of Education properly.
APPROVED 5-0
Board President Smallwood announced there would be no action following the Executive Session.
Next meeting: May 13, 2026 - Regular Meeting; Next Regular Meeting/Work Session - May 27, 2026 both at 6:30 pm at Board Offices, 15982 E. High Street, Middlefield, OH.
More information here: https://cardinalschools.org/board-members/
Observer: Suzie Bartz
Editor: Harry Rees
Reviewer: Gail Roussey
Submitted: April 30, 2026
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